Potlucks are events in which attendees each bring a dish of food to be shared, including salads, mains, and desserts. Potlucks are organized among members of communities, organisations, or by individu
An assorted spread of dishes at a potluck in Alberta, Canada
Various Korean dishes at a potluck
Potlatch is the gift-giving feast practiced by Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of Canada and the United States, among whom it is traditionally the primary governmental institution, l
Potluck
…meal". The first known use of the term is from the late 16th century, likely from the words pot and luck. The term does not reference the practice of Potlatch, a term that came later. In its original meaning, 'potluck' referred to pots on communal fires, and the notion that one had to try their luck with the…
The Kwakwaka'wakw continue the practice of potlatch. Illustrated here is Wawadit'la in Thunderbird Park, Victoria, B.C., a big house built by Chief Mungo Martin in 1953. Wealthy, prominent hosts would have a Big House specifically for potlatching and for housing guests.
Speaker Figure, 19th century, Brooklyn Museum, the figure represents a speaker at a potlatch. An orator standing behind the figure would have spoken through its mouth, announcing the names of arriving guests.
Edward Curtis photo of a Kwakwaka'wakw potlatch with dancers and singers
Watercolor by James G. Swan depicting the Klallam people of chief Chetzemoka at Port Townsend, with one of Chetzemoka's wives distributing potlatch